KIDS GET STRESSED TOO – TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILD MANAGE A HECTIC SCHEDULE AND PRESSURE TO EXCEL AT SCHOOL

If your child voices out that he or she is feeling stressed out, try some simple calming techniques like taking deep breaths, or help them to take a step back from the stressful situation and show them that they just need to think about the best way forward, rather than let themselves become inundated by the situation.

Some children may also be more active or creative, and prefer to participate in activities that are leisurely or give them time to wind down, such as jigsaw or crossword puzzles, sports, art or music. These don’t have to be done when the child is feeling stressed out, but can be done at regular intervals to create a balanced routine.

Another source of stress can arise from a fear of failing. Remind your child that it is okay to fall sometimes, and try to be a role model by demonstrating to them that the answer is not about being perfect or the best, but to keep trying and to never give up.

One of the ironic things about managing stress is that people are often too busy to sit down and count their blessings. While constantly striving for the next milestone can aid in going faster and further in your career and other ambitions, it also never lets you look at the bigger picture.

When scheduling your child’s day or week, draw up a schedule that focuses on completing important academic tasks, but also make time for play and positive reinforcement activities for your child.

Growing children also need ample rest, exercise and the right amount of nutrition. Start mornings right, with a hearty breakfast and enough time to catch up on school work or play time, and keep some “downtime”, especially away from screens, towards the end of the night before they sleep.

Sleep-deprivation is a critical and growing health issue in Asia. In a sleep survey we conducted, 55% of those we surveyed in Singapore admitted to sleeping 6 hours or less each night.

While adults may need 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, teens need between 8 to 10 hours and children between 6 to 13 years old need about 9 to 11 hours. Just as it can be important to detect signs of stress in your children, you should also be attentive to their sleep patterns and ensure they are not sleep-deprived.

Sufficient sleep helps your child’s body to produce the normal amount of growth hormones for his or her development. This helps them to learn in school, interact with their peers and maintain good general health.

At AIA, we are committed to helping people reap the benefits of sleep by raising awareness of good sleeping habits and adequate sleep, to enjoy living healthier, longer, better lives, with a dedicated sleep content hub.

With AIA Vitality, a comprehensive health and wellness programme, you can include your spouse and your children in a family-based effort to keep fit and make healthier lifestyle choices.

Rope in your children in making healthier eating decisions at home by bringing them grocery shopping. Earn up to 20% cashback on products that are labelled as HealthyFood™ at Cold Storage, Jasons and Market Place. These includes a wide range of vegetables, fruit, high-fibre foods, protein-rich foods, dairy products, and healthy fats and oils that help prevent chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.

Encourage family workouts to try and complete weekly AIA Vitality Challenge by going for runs or walks. Get equipped with discounted sportswear at Under Armour, and monitor your health progress with discounted Garmin and Fitbit devices.

Learn how you can take advantage of these rewards and more with AIA Vitality today.